-LRB- CareerBuilder -RRB- -- I recently came across Zack O'Malley Greenburg 's book `` Empire State of Mind : How Jay-Z Went from Street Corner to Corner Office . '' I have to admit that I did n't know if a hip-hop icon had much to teach me -LRB- aka a regular worker -RRB- about succeeding in our respective fields .

But seeing as career books often begin to sound alike when you read the summaries on the flap , I could n't pass up this interesting angle . Plus , he 's just a good artist .

I did n't doubt Jay-Z was a prime example of success . His picture might as well be next to the Wikipedia entry on `` living the dream . ''

Whether or not you 're a fan of his music -- and between `` Empire State of Mind '' and `` Izzo -LRB- H.O.V.A. -RRB- , '' you have to like at least one of his tracks -- you ca n't deny that the man has been able to achieve and exceed his goals .

Jay-Z -LRB- née Shawn Corey Carter -RRB- has countless hits , co-founded Rocawear clothing , co-owns a basketball team , and was an executive of two different record labels . Oh , and Oprah picked his 2010 autobiography to be one of her favorite things , which is about as coveted an endorsement as you can hope for .

But after reading Greenburg 's book , I have to admit I understand why he makes a superb guide for your career , even if you are looking to be an investment banker or grocery store manager instead of a hip hop legend .

If you look at what Jay-Z has done with his career , you might realize that what made him successful is what makes many great leaders successful .

Below are five lessons that I think we can all learn from Jay-Z 's career :

1 . Find something your passionate about and make it part of your life

What Jay Z did : Jay-Z is a sports enthusiast . He 's a proud Yankees fan and he 's been a courtside fixture at NBA games for years for The Cavaliers , Knicks and Lakers .

Not content with just being a fan , Jay-Z assembled a team -LRB- that included Lebron James -RRB- in 2003 to play in Entertainers Basketball Classic -LRB- EBC -RRB- and then became a co-owner of the New Jersey Nets .

What you can do : Many of us are sports fans , but few of us have the bank account and business savvy to own an NBA team . However , we can find a way to make one of our passions part of our everyday life , even if your interest does n't fit within your current job .

For example , if you are obsessed with politics but you work at a clothing store , you should leave your opinion of Congress at home . But that does n't mean you ca n't start your own political blog or become a contributor to another one .

That way you can immerse yourself in a subject you love and still improve your analytical and writing skills . You never know what will become of your side venture -- maybe a new business opportunity .

Maybe nothing will happen beyond gaining readership , but at least you 'll have space where you can indulge your passions .

2 . Market yourself

What Jay-Z did : One of the other reasons Jay-Z decided to assemble that basketball team in the EBC ? He knew it was great marketing . He branded a bus with the image of a sneaker he designed for Reebok , had the team tour in it , all while his music blared .

And then they 'd celebrate at the club he owned in New York . It was his project from top to bottom and he was n't afraid to promote it .

What you can do : The odds are slim that somebody will walk up to you and say , `` Wow , all that great work you do ? Unbelievable ! Let me offer you this high-paying job that is perfect for you . ''

Instead , make sure you let your boss know when you perform well . Do n't brag , but forward any positive feedback you get from clients or colleagues

If you 're looking for a job , piece together an impressive portfolio or résumé . Think about the awards you 've won , leadership positions you 've held , and references who will speak glowingly about you .

Do n't play meek when it comes to finding a new job because employers do n't have time to beg you to talk about yourself . Impress them from the beginning . -LRB- And if you can afford to plaster your face on the side of a bus , go ahead . -RRB-

3 . Know when to move on

What Jay-Z did : In 2003 , at the peak of his career -LRB- up to that point -RRB- , he decided to retire . Barely 34 , Jay-Z felt he could n't top himself , so he decided to walk away . -LRB- That said , he un-retired a few years later , which is something we have criticized before , too . So do n't cry `` wolf '' either . '' -RRB-

What you can do : Jay-Z retired , but most of us do n't have that luxury right now . However , if you 're just going through the motions and the excitement and passion you once had are lacking , then do n't be afraid to look around .

Maybe you need to talk to your boss , find a new job or get into a new industry . Whatever is right for you , make that move . If you 're spending 40 hours each week doing a job that bores you , then you 're wasting a lot of your life .

You 'll be so much happier and more productive if you 're interested in what you do .

4 . Be willing to shake things up

What Jay-Z did : When Jay-Z took over Def Jam records in 2005 , he could n't believe that the business model had n't changed for decades , and employees had no incentive to work hard . He wanted to see people trying new things -- taking risks and competing to be more innovative than the other .

So he held a retreat with the employees , told them what he wanted , and then began to transform the organization . Greenburg notes how people were intrigued by the fact that Jay-Z wanted to learn as much as he could about the business .

What you can do : When you 're not the boss , you ca n't revamp the organization . But workers can get the attention of the boss and other leadership by coming forward with new ideas .

If you 're the person interacting with customers every day , you know when the process can be improved and what would make your job more efficient and maybe bring the company more money .

Always be respectful , but do n't be afraid to be bold once in a while . It can be the only way you stand out sometimes .

5 . Manage your private life

What Jay-Z did : Jay-Z and Beyoncé are basically music royalty , and when they began quietly dating , everybody wanted to know about it . Yet , they would n't comment on their romance , and even to this day the married couple is tight-lipped about any personal information .

Therefore you hear more about his and her music than about their personal lives , unlike some famous people .

What you can do : You do n't need to keep your marriage a secret from your manager , unless you want to , but your weekend partying or marital bickering do n't belong at work .

Often , professionals decide to post Facebook photos of their drunken adventures or get into a big fight with a spouse over the phone so that the entire office hears . Suddenly your personal drama overshadows your hard work .

Remember that your professional reputation is a significant factor in promotions , raises and even layoffs . Do n't let a killer keg stand undo your years of hard work .

Of course , there are a lot of other things Jay-Z 's done right in his career , so I suggest checking out `` Empire State of Mind . '' It 's especially refreshing if you 're a music fan and/or someone who 's not keen on the typical career guides .

& copy CareerBuilder.com 2011 . All rights reserved . The information contained in this article may not be published , broadcast or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority .

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One of the reasons Jay-Z is so successful is because he has followed his passions , author says

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Jay-Z knows how to market himself and his various ventures

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By managing his private life well , more focus is on Jay-Z 's music than his marriage